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Using All Your Strength . . .

A young boy was walking with his father along a country road. When they came across a very large tree branch, the boy asked, "Do you think I could move that?"His father answered, "If you use all your strength, Iím sure you can."

The boy tried mightily to lift, pull, and push the branch, but he couldnít budge it. Discouraged, he said, "Dad, you were wrong. I canít do it."

His dad said, "Try again."

This time, as the boy struggled with the task, his father joined him. Together they pushed the branch aside.

"Son," the father said, "the first time you didnít use all your strength. You didnít ask me to help."

This is an important lesson. There are many things we canít do alone, but that doesnít mean we canít get them done. Weíre all surrounded by resources that can be mobilized to help us achieve our goals including family, friends, and faith.

Sometimes we fail to ask for help because of pride or stubbornness. Sometimes we think itís a sign of weakness to admit we need a hand. And sometimes we donít even think about asking for help. Whatever the reason, itís a waste.

Itís important that we learn to use all our strength. This includes inner resources such as discipline, courage, and even love. It also includes outer resources. Just as we should be willing to help others, we should be willing to ask the help of others. Itís one of the great things about being human.